Peeling apparatus with enhanced abrasive rollers and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A peeling apparatus includes a frame, and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried by the frame to define at least one peeling chamber. Each abrasive roller includes an elongate body portion having an abrasive outer surface and may have a pair of mounting stubs permanently affixed to respective opposing ends of the elongate body portion. The elongate body portion and the pair of mounting stubs may each comprise metal, and the pair of mounting stubs may be welded to respective ends of the elongate body portion to provide the permanent fixation. The abrasive outer surface may include a plurality of knurls arranged in a pattern. Each knurl may also comprise a leading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edge portion.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/576,924 filed on May 23, 2000, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the field of food processing, and moreparticularly, to apparatus and methods for peeling vegetables andfruits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common in many food processing applications to require thepeeling of the outer skin of fruits or vegetables. Potatoes, inparticular, are very often so processed by passing the potatoes againsta set of rotating abrasive rollers. Fruit may also be similarlyprocessed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,605,798 to Boswell discloses acitrus fruit peeler including a pair of abrading rollers and an augerscrew which advances the citrus along the rollers.

[0004] Along these lines, U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,914 to Wallace discloses asingle chamber fruit and vegetable peeler including a frame, a pluralityof abrasive roller carried by the frame and arranged in an arcuatepattern, and a drive motor and gears coupled to the rollers. Theabrasive rollers are provided in lengthwise segments to facilitatereplacement of a damaged section without requiring replacement of anentire roller. Action of the rollers advances the fruit or vegetablesfrom an inlet to a discharge. A rinsing system is provided to washmaterial from the rollers. The vegetables or fruit are subjected to atumbling action within the peeling chamber. The amount of peeling iscontrolled by a height of a gate at the discharge.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,305 to Vanosdall discloses a similarapparatus wherein an auger extends only partway into the chamber fromthe discharge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,429 also to Wallace discloses asimilar apparatus which includes an auger at a feed hopper, and arotatable tumbler including rotating paddles within the peeling chamber.This patent also discloses a vision analysis system to evaluate thedegree of peeling and adjust the various parameters to provide a desireddegree of peeling.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,237,782 to Bichel and 4,827,836 to Neidighdisclose peeling apparatus wherein the abrasive rollers are driven byindividual hydraulic motors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,088 to Zittel disclosesa peeler that includes individual electric motors to drive each roller.The rollers can be operated at different speeds or in differentdirections. An auger which extends through the peeling chamber, may alsobe controlled by an electric motor.

[0007] To increase capacity, a dual peeling or washing chamber apparatuswas offered by Vanmark Corporation under the model designation Series2800. The apparatus included two side-by-side chambers wherein the augerscrews rotated in a same direction. Accordingly, the abrasive rollersand their associated motors extended around an arc further upward on asame side.

[0008] The abrasive rollers typically used for peeling may includeremovable end shafts which permit removal of the roller for maintenance.Unfortunately, this construction may permit a relatively large degree ofmotion at the ends of the rollers, thereby causing vibration andlimiting higher rotational speed.

[0009] Also, the abrasive rollers commonly used for peeling may includea metal surface with a pattern of indentations and protrusions formedtherein, or may include sand or other abrasives impregnated in a matrix.Such abrasive surfaces may not provide uniform abrasion, may not wearuniformly, and/or provide sufficient service life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object ofthe invention to provide a peeling apparatus and associated methodsincluding abrasive rollers which are less likely to experience vibrationand/or which may last longer in service.

[0011] These and other objects, features and advantages in accordancewith the present invention are provided by a peeling apparatus which inone embodiment includes a frame, and at least one set of abrasiverollers carried by the frame to define at least one peeling chamber, andwherein at least one abrasive roller comprises an elongate body portionhaving an abrasive outer surface and a pair of mounting stubspermanently affixed to respective opposing ends of the elongate bodyportion. This arrangement of the mounting stubs permits greaterprecision and balancing, and thereby permits higher rotational speeds.

[0012] The elongate body portion and the pair of mounting stubs may eachcomprise metal. Accordingly, the pair of mounting stubs may be welded torespective ends of the elongate body portion to provide the permanentfixation.

[0013] The elongate body portion may have a tubular shape, and theabrasive outer surface may comprise a plurality of knurls arranged in apattern. In some embodiments, at least some of the knurls may comprise aleading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edge portion.Accordingly, greater strength may be provided to reduce wear and therebyincrease service life. This particularly advantageous feature of theknurl shape may be used with or independently of the permanently fixedmounting stubs.

[0014] At least some of the knurls may have a substantially same shape.The knurls may be integrally formed with the elongate body portion. Inother words, the knurls may be formed into or from outer surfaceportions of the elongate body portion. For additional service life, asurface coating may be applied over the knurls. For example, the surfacecoating may comprise at least one of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, andnickel, or any other suitable coating. The elongate body portion maycomprise at least one of steel and aluminum.

[0015] One method aspect of the invention is for making an abrasiveroller for a peeling apparatus of a type comprising a frame, and atleast one set of abrasive rollers carried by the frame to define atleast one peeling chamber. The method preferably comprises providing anelongate body portion, and permanently affixing a pair of mounting stubsto respective opposing ends of the elongate body portion. The elongatebody portion and the pair of mounting stubs may each comprise metal, andpermanently affixing may comprise welding the metal components together.

[0016] Another method aspect of the invention is also for making anabrasive roller for a peeling apparatus including a frame, and at leastone set of abrasive rollers carried by the frame. The method maycomprise providing an elongate body portion comprising comprising atleast one of steel and aluminum, forming a plurality of knurls on theelongate body portion in a pattern defining an abrasive outer surface,and forming an outer coating on the abrasive surface, wherein thecoating comprises at least one of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, andnickel.

[0017] Yet another method aspect of the invention is also for making anabrasive roller for a peeling apparatus of a type comprising a frame,and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried by the frame to defineat least one peeling chamber. The method preferably comprises providingan elongate body portion; and forming a plurality of knurls on theelongate body portion to define an abrasive surface, with at least someof these knurls having a leading edge portion being steeper than atrailing edge portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a peeling apparatus in accordancewith the invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is an intake end view of the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a discharge end view of the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the intake end of anabrasive roller, its flange bearing, removable mount and drive motor asused in the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 6 is an enlarged end view of a discharge portion of thepeeling apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the flange bearings supportingthe discharge ends of the abrasive rollers.

[0024]FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge end ofa abrasive roller and its associated flange bearing as used in thepeeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an abrasive roller as may be usedin the peeling apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view taken alonglines 9-9 of FIG. 8 illustrating an individual knurl embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichpreferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0028] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4 the peeling apparatus 20 inaccordance with the present invention is now described. The peelingapparatus 20 may be part of an overall fruit or vegetable processingsystem 25 that may include other processing apparatus 21, 22 asschematically illustrated. In addition, these other processing apparatus21, 22 may also be connected to a common plant cleaning solution system23 including a cleaning solution supply and associated interconnectingpiping. Similarly, these other processing apparatus 21, 22 may also beconnected to a common plant cleaning solution collection system 24including a drain, sump or collection vessel and interconnecting pipingas will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0029] The peeling apparatus 20 may include the lower collection pan 29and the outlet port 31 in communication therewith which define thecleaning solution collection system for the peeling apparatus, and whichmay be coupled to the common plant cleaning solution collection system24. Of course, the cleaning solution from the peeling apparatus 20 mayalso be recycled and used again for cleaning the peeler and/or any ofthe other processing apparatus 21, 22. Also the cleaning solution fromthe common plant cleaning solution delivery system 23 may be distributedor sprayed on interior portions of the peeling apparatus 20 using theschematically illustrated nozzles 35 (FIG. 4).

[0030] The peeling apparatus 25 illustratively includes two generallyhorizontally extending, side-by-side peeling chambers 26 a, 26 b, butmany of the features and components thereof may also be used in a singlepeeling chamber apparatus, and/or in a peeling apparatus arranged at anangle other than horizontal as will be readily appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The peeling apparatus 20 is also illustratively fedfruit or vegetables from one or more upstream devices, schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1 by the fruit/vegetable supply 27. In addition, thepeeling apparatus 20 also includes a controller 28 connected to thevarious motors and other equipment as will be described in greaterdetail below.

[0031] The peeling apparatus 20 may be used for many peeling operationsto be performed typically on fruit or vegetables. For example, thepeeling apparatus 20 may be used to extract oil from the peels of citrusfruit as disclosed in parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/576,924filed on May 23, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. Of course, the peeling apparatus 20 may be used forpeeling potatoes, and other fruit and vegetables as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

[0032] The peeling apparatus 20 illustratively includes a frame 30 whichcarries the first and second peeling chambers 26 a, 26 b in side-by-siderelation. The first peeling chamber 26 a includes a first set ofabrasive rollers 32 a and a first auger 33 a adjacent thereto.Similarly, the second peeling chamber 26 comprises a second set ofabrasive rollers 32 b and a second auger 33 b adjacent thereto. Eachauger 33 a, 33 b has a respective electric drive motor 34 a, 34 bconnected thereto. Of course, a discharge opening 37 a, 37 b is providedat the discharge end of each peeling chamber 26 a, 26 b as shown perhapsbest in FIGS. 1 and 4. The discharge openings 37 are illustrativelyarcuate in shape and offset to the respective outer sides. A commonintake opening 39 (FIG. 2) is provided at the intake end to receive thefruit or vegetables therein.

[0033] In accordance with one aspect of the peeling apparatus 20, thefirst and second augers 33 a, 33 b include respective helical flightsoriented in opposite helical directions. The drive motors 34 a, 34 bdrive the first and second augers 33 a, 33 b in opposite rotationaldirections. In other words, the drive motors 341, 34 b define a drivefor the augers 33 a, 33 b. The fruit or vegetables in each peelingchamber 26 a, 26 b is advanced in parallel from the intake to thedischarge end of the peeling apparatus 20.

[0034] The first set of abrasive rollers 32 a are aligned along a firstarc, and the second set of abrasive rollers 32 b are aligned along asecond arc being a mirror image of the first arc. Moreover, the firstand second arcs each extend higher along outsides of the peelingapparatus 20. This may be accommodated since rotation of the augers 33a, 33 b tends to cause the fruit to ride up toward the outside as willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art. This arrangement of rollersprovides a number of advantages, particularly in that more rollers areaccessible from the exterior of the peeling apparatus 20, rather thanbeing positioned on the less accessible interior as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

[0035] Another aspect of the peeling apparatus 20 is that the number ofabrasive rollers 32 a, 32 b in each of the first and second sets may begreater than eight. In the illustrated embodiment, twelve rollers areprovided in each set. A combined or total number of abrasive rollers 32a, 32 b in both of the first and second sets is also preferably greaterthan sixteen. In the illustrated peeling apparatus 20 the total numberof rollers is twenty-four. The larger number of rollers may provide agreater throughput in a smaller machine footprint. Accordingly, thepeeling apparatus 20 may be installed or retrofitted into a relativelysmall space.

[0036] Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2 and additionally toFIG. 5, other advantageous features of the peeling apparatus 20 are nowdescribed. In particular, each peeling chamber 26 a, 26 b illustrativelyincludes a set of motors 40 a, 40 b and associated mounts 41 a, 41 b forthe abrasive rollers. These motors 40 a, 40 b and mounts 41 a, 41 b areillustratively carried by the intake end, accordingly, the fruit orvegetables can more readily pass out of the discharge openingsunencumbered by the motors and mounts as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

[0037] For clarity of explanation, only a single motor 40 a, mount 41 a,and intake end of a roller 32 a will now be described, although those ofskill in the art will appreciate that this configuration may beduplicated for all of the rollers in both peeling chambers 26 a, 26 b.More particularly, the frame 30 includes a roller opening 45 a adjacentthe intake end. The roller opening 45 a may be an arcuately shapedslotted opening for the set of rollers as in the illustrated embodiment,or individual openings could be provided for each roller as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. The mount 41 a is alsoconnected to the intake end adjacent the roller opening 45 a, and thismount carries the intake end of the abrasive roller 32 a as well as themotor 40 a.

[0038] The mount 41 a permits the abrasive roller 32 a to be installableor removable through the roller opening 45 a upon removal of the mount41 a from the frame 30. The mount 41 a also permits the roller drivemotor 40 a to be separately removed, such as for service or replacement.

[0039] The abrasive roller 32 a illustratively comprises an elongatebody portion 60 a having an abrasive outer surface as will be describedin greater detail below, and an intake mounting stub 61 a and adischarge mounting stub 62 a (FIG. 7) permanently affixed to respectiveopposing ends of elongate body portion. Each mounting stub may include abody portion received within an open end of the elongate body portion 60a, and may also include an integrally formed shaft extending outwardlytherefrom. Other similar constructions are also possible.

[0040] The mounting stubs 61 a, 62 a are preferably permanently affixedto the ends of the elongate body portion 60 a to provide for higherrotational speeds with less vibration and resonance as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, in thoseembodiments where the elongate body portion 60 a of the abrasive roller32 a comprises metal, such as steel or aluminum, the mounting stubs 61a, 62 a may be permanently affixed by welding, although similartechniques are also contemplated by the present invention.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the mount 41 a illustrativelyincludes a base plate 46 a covering overlying the opening 45 a andsecured to the frame 30. A flange bearing 47 a is carried by the baseplate 46 a and rotatably supports the intake mounting stub 61 a at theend of the abrasive roller 32 a. The mount 41 a also illustrativelyincludes the motor standoff 50 a also carried by the base plate 46 a andwhich is coaxial with the end of the mounting stub 61 a and output shaft53 a of the motor 40 a. The output shaft 53 a of the motor 40 a isconnected to the end of the mounting stub 61 a via a flexible coupling51 a which may also permit higher rotational speeds for the abrasiveroller 32 a by reducing vibration.

[0042] The schematically illustrated motor 40 a may include an electricor hydraulic actuator directly coupled to the output shaft 53 a, or anintervening gearbox may be provided to produce a desired rotationalspeed of the abrasive roller 32 a as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The motor 40 a is illustratively connected to amotor mounting plate 52 a which, in turn, is carried by the end of themotor standoff 50 a. Other equivalent mounting arrangements are alsocontemplated by the invention. In some alternate embodiments, theindividual motors may be replaced by a common motor and associated drivetrain for driving the sets of rollers.

[0043] As perhaps best seen with reference to FIG. 2, the mounts 41 a,41 b, and, more particularly, the base plates thereof, may have atrapezoidal shape. Accordingly, when the mounts 41 a, 41 b are arrangedin side-by-side relation, the mounts define an arc.

[0044] Turning now additionally to FIGS. 6 and 7, another advantageousaspect of the peeling apparatus 20 is described. More particularly,respective sets of flange bearings 70 a, 70 b are provided at thedischarge end of the peeling apparatus for each of the peeling chambers26 a, 26 b. Each flange bearing 70 a is illustratively provided by aflange bearing having a generally oval footprint with first and secondfastener openings adjacent opposing ends of the footprint and which, inturn, receive respective first and second fasteners 72 a to secure theflange bearing in place. The flange bearing 70 a of the mount 41 arotatably supports the discharge mounting stub 62 a of the abrasiveroller 32 a.

[0045] Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 7, each flange bearing 70 a withits generally oval footprint may be readily canted at an angle andnested into an adjacent flange bearing. In contrast, pillow blockbearings, for example, may be difficult to accurately position and maytake up additional space. Accordingly, the flange bearings 70 a, 70 b ofthe peeing apparatus 20 provide a very compact arrangement adjacent thedischarge openings 37 a, 37 b so that the fruit or vegetables may beeasily discharged therefrom.

[0046] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 8 and 9 other aspectsrelating to the abrasive roller 32 a of the peeling apparatus 20 arefurther described. The abrasive roller 32 a includes an elongate bodyportion 60 a, preferably in the form of an elongate tube to therebyreduce overall weight. The tubular shape may be readily and accuratelyformed by precision centerless grinding techniques as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0047] Mounting stubs 61 a, 62 a are preferably welded to opposing endsof the tubular elongate body portion 60 a as described above, and anabrasive surface is formed on the outer surface portion of the elongatebody portion. The abrasive outer surface may be manufactured by pressingthe outer roller surface against a shaping or die surface to form apattern of knurls, similar to a #10TPI knurl. In other words, the knurlsmay be integrally formed into the surface of the elongate body portion60 a.

[0048] A cross-section of one such knurl 75 a is shown in FIG. 9. Theillustrated knurl 75 a may define a peak height of about 0.050 incheswith a tolerance of about +0.00 and −0.020 inches. The abrasive roller32 a may have a diameter of about 3.9 to 4.0 inches, although othersizes are also possible. Moreover, the knurl 75 a may have a leadingedge portion 76 a that is steeper than the adjacent trailing edgeportion 77 a. For example, the leading edge portion 76 a may define anangle α of about a thirty degrees from a line normal to the surface.Also, the trailing edge portion 77 a may define an angle β of aboutsixty degrees from a line normal to the surface. Other angles are alsopossible. The steeper angle of the leading edge portion 76 a may providean extended wear life, and reduce the need for maintenance. In someembodiments, all of the knurls may have a same shape, although otherembodiments may benefit from different shaped knurls.

[0049] To further provide increased wear resistance for the knurl 75 a awear-resistant surface coating 80 a may be applied to cover the basemetal of the elongate body portion 60 a. For example, the elongate bodyportion 60 a may comprise steel or aluminum, and the surface coating 80a may comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, nickel, or alloys thereof.For example, Stellite® may be used as the coating 80 a and it is analloy family containing cobalt, chromium, tungsten and other elements aswill be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0050] In other embodiments, the base metal of the abrasive roller 32 amay not require a coating. For example, stainless steel may not requirea protective coating. To reduce overall costs, in one preferredembodiment, a mild steel base metal may be combined with the protectivecoating 80 a as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0051] Turning now additionally to the schematic diagrams of FIGS.10-11, various control aspects of the peeling apparatus 20 are nowdescribed. In particular, the peeling apparatus 20 includes a set ofabrasive rollers 32 a arranged to define a peeling chamber 26 a, androller drive motors 40 a as explained in detail above. A feeder 85 a isprovided for controllably feeding fruit or vegetables adjacent theabrasive rollers. A sensor 86 a is associated with at least one rollerdrive motor 40 a for sensing a load thereon. For example, the sensor 86a may be associated with one or more lower rollers to more accuratelysense the load, although sensors may be provided for all of the motorsas will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The controller 28 isillustratively connected to the sensor 86 a and feeder 85 ab forcontrolling the feeder based upon the sensor. Accordingly, the feeder 85a can be controlled based upon the sensed load on the abrasive roller 32a.

[0052] For example, for typical operation, the controller 28 mayincrease the feed rate of the feeder 85 a based upon an increase insensed load, and conversely decrease the feed rate based upon a decreasein sensed load. In some embodiments, the controller 28 may also controlone more of the roller drive motors 40 a based upon the sensed load.This aspect of the peeling apparatus 20 provides a relativelystraightforward, robust and cost effective approach to control importantpeeling parameters.

[0053] As understood with particular reference to FIG. 11, the feeder 85b may comprise an input conveyor 90 a upstream of the set of abrasiverollers. In addition to or in place of the input conveyor 90 a, thefeeder may include the auger 33 a adjacent the set of abrasive rollers.Also, the feeder 85 a may include at least one of an intake gate 91 aand a discharge gate 92 a, and with or without the input conveyor and/orauger. Those of skill in the art will recognize other feederconfigurations that are controllable in accordance with this aspect ofthe peeling apparatus 20.

[0054] The sensor 86 a may comprise a torque sensor for sensing a torquedelivered by the roller drive motor 40 a. In one class of embodiments,the roller drive motor 40 a may be a hydraulic motor 95 a, and thesensor 86 a may be a hydraulic pressure sensor 96 a. In one particularlyadvantageous class of embodiments, the roller drive motor 40 a maycomprise a roller drive electric motor 94 a. Accordingly, for this classof embodiments, the torque sensor may thus comprise an electrical powersensor 97 a.

[0055] The controller 28 itself may include a processor 100 a andvarious input/output devices 101 a connected thereto. For example, theinput/output devices 101 a may include an operator CRT display or otherindicators, as well as a keyboard or other input devices as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art. Of course, the controller 28may provide a range of from full automatic to full manual control aswill also be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, otherfeatures relating to the apparatus and method for peeling vegetables andfruit are disclosed in copending patent applications filed concurrentlyherewith and assigned to the assignee of the present invention and areentitled PEELING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, attorney work docketnumber 12426/56041; and PEELING APPARATUS WITH ENHANCED ABRASIVE ROLLERSAND ASSOCIATED METHODS, attorney work docket number 12428/56043, theentire disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

[0056] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention willcome to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is not to belimited to the embodiments disclosed, and that other modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A peeling apparatus comprising: a frame;and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried by said frame to defineat least one peeling chamber; at least one abrasive roller of said atleast one set thereof comprising an elongate body portion having anabrasive outer surface, and a pair of mounting stubs permanently affixedto respective opposing ends of said elongate body portion.
 2. A peelingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elongate body portion andsaid pair of mounting stubs each comprises metal; and wherein said pairof mounting stubs are welded to respective ends of said elongate bodyportion.
 3. A peeling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidelongate body portion has a tubular shape.
 4. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said abrasive outer surface comprises aplurality of knurls arranged in a pattern.
 5. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 4 wherein at least some of said knurls comprise aleading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edge portion.
 6. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 4 wherein at least some of saidknurls have a substantially same shape.
 7. A peeling apparatus accordingto claim 4 wherein said plurality of knurls are integrally formed withsaid elongate body portion.
 8. A peeling apparatus according to claim 4further comprising a surface coating over the plurality of knurls.
 9. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said surface coatingcomprises at least one of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel.
 10. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said elongate bodyportion comprises at least one of steel and aluminum.
 11. A peelingapparatus according to claim 1 further comprising at least one augeradjacent said at least one set of abrasive rollers.
 12. A peelingapparatus comprising: a frame; and at least one set of abrasive rollerscarried by said frame to define at least one peeling chamber; at leastone abrasive roller of said at least one set thereof comprising anelongate body portion and a plurality of knurls arranged thereon in apattern defining an abrasive outer surface, said at least one abrasiveroller comprising at least one of steel and 10 aluminum and an outercoating thereon comprising at least one of cobalt, chromium, tungsten,and nickel.
 13. A peeling apparatus according to claim 12 wherein saidelongate body portion has a tubular shape.
 14. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein at least some of said knurls comprise aleading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edge portion.
 15. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 12 wherein at least some of saidknurls have a substantially same shape.
 16. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 12 wherein said plurality of knurls are integrallyformed with said elongate body portion.
 17. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 12 further comprising at least one auger adjacentsaid at least one set of abrasive rollers.
 18. A peeling apparatuscomprising: a frame; and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried bysaid frame to define at least one peeling chamber; at least some of saidabrasive roller of said at least one set of abrasive rollers comprisingan elongate body portion and a plurality of knurls arranged thereon in apattern defining an abrasive outer surface, at least some of said knurlscomprising a leading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edgeportion.
 19. A peeling apparatus according to claim 18 wherein saidelongate body portion has a tubular shape.
 20. A peeling apparatusaccording to claim 18 wherein at least some of said knurls have asubstantially same shape.
 21. A peeling apparatus according to claim 18wherein said plurality of knurls are integrally formed with saidelongate body portion.
 22. A peeling apparatus according to claim 18further comprising a surface coating over the plurality of knurls.
 23. Apeeling apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said surface coatingcomprises at least one of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel.
 24. Amethod for making an abrasive roller for a peeling apparatus of a typecomprising a frame, and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried bythe frame to define at least one peeling chamber, the method comprising:providing an elongate body portion; and permanently affixing a pair ofmounting stubs to respective opposing ends of the elongate body portion.25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the elongate body portion andthe pair of mounting stubs each comprises metal; and wherein permanentlyaffixing comprises welding.
 26. A method according to claim 24 furthercomprising forming a plurality of knurls arranged in a pattern on theelongate body portion to define an abrasive surface thereon.
 27. Amethod for making an abrasive roller for a peeling apparatus of a typecomprising a frame, and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried bythe frame to define at least one peeling chamber, the method comprising:providing an elongate body portion comprising at least one of said steeland aluminum; forming a plurality of knurls on the elongate body portionin a pattern defining an abrasive outer surface; and forming an outercoating on the abrasive surface comprising at least one of cobalt,chromium, tungsten, and nickel.
 28. A method according to claim 27forming the plurality of knurls comprises forming at least some of saidthe knurls to have a substantially same shape.
 29. A method for makingan abrasive roller for a peeling apparatus of a type comprising a frame,and at least one set of abrasive rollers carried by the frame to defineat least one peeling chamber, the method comprising: providing anelongate body portion; and forming a plurality of knurls on the elongatebody portion to define an abrasive surface with at least some of theknurls having a leading edge portion being steeper than a trailing edgeportion.
 30. A method according to claim 29 wherein forming theplurality of knurls comprises forming at least some of the knurls tohave a substantially same shape.
 31. A method according to claim 29further comprising forming a surface coating over the plurality ofknurls.